Crossword Genius

Politician dropping round, engaging a cup-bearer, say (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tray

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'politician' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'dropping round engaging a cup-bearer say' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'try' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tray that I've seen before include "Domestic carrier" , "canteen item" , "Correspondence container" , "Flat utensil for carrying food" , "Portable carrier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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